On November 6, Genther was operating his vessel in Long Island Sound near Madison, CT, when he noticed a blue object floating in the water. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was an overturned blue boat. Without hesitation, his immediate response was to assist. The illustration is credited to Lee Ernest from The Daily Campus.
John Genther, a 23-year-old commercial fisherman hailing from Madison, Connecticut, participated in a CPR and first aid safety course organized by Connecticut Sea Grant at UConn Avery Point. Little did he know that just two weeks later, he would be applying his newfound skills to rescue a man in distress.
While carrying out his duties for Indian River Shellfish Company, retrieving whelk and conch fishing equipment off the coast of Madison, CT, on November 6, Genther spotted a blue object amidst the waters of Long Island Sound.
As the sun began to set around 4:15 PM, Genther was in the process of wrapping up his tasks and heading back east when he noticed the unusual blue sight in the distance. Being vigilant comes naturally to fishermen, as Genther explained, “As a fisherman, you’re always looking around, seeing everything and checking on what’s going on around you.”
Upon approaching the object, he identified it as an overturned blue boat. His immediate instinct was to offer assistance. Recounting the moment, Genther shared, “At first, I thought, ‘Whoa, what is going on?’ My heart starts racing, and I’m like, ‘Where’s the guy?’ Then I see the guy. He’s hanging on to the boat, so I started talking to him to make sure he’s okay.”
Recalling his safety training, which included lessons on dealing with hypothermia, Genther realized the severity of the situation. “When I was in the class, they were telling me cold water is 70 degrees, and hypothermia can set in within 10 minutes. At the time, the water was mid to high 50s in temperature, and at this point, the man had been in there for an hour and a half. He was severely hypothermic,” Genther recounted.
Acting swiftly, Genther pulled the man out of the water, contacted 911 to communicate his location for medical assistance, and provided the individual with warm clothing. Thanks to Genther’s prompt actions, the man received the necessary medical attention and recovered.
Reflecting on the incident, Genther credited his composed demeanor to his training, stating, “If I hadn’t taken the class and hadn’t been refreshed on the dangers of hypothermia, maybe I would have said, ‘Okay, maybe you just need to get back on your boat, and it’ll be fine.’ If I had done that, he probably was going to die because he was cold, wet and still out on the water.”
The first aid and CPR training attended by Genther was organized by Connecticut Sea Grant at Avery Point in collaboration with Fishing Partnership Support Services. The instructors, comprising former Coast Guard personnel and experienced fishermen, delivered valuable insights tailored to the fishing community.
Nancy Balcom, the associate director and extension program leader for Connecticut Sea Grant, highlighted the significance of such safety training initiatives. She commended Genther’s quick thinking in a high-pressure situation, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
Following the rescue, Genther and Balcom were acknowledged for their contributions in a ceremony hosted by the Coast Guard, alongside Kyra Dwyer and the trainers. Genther was honored with a Meritorious Public Service Award, recognizing his heroic actions and exemplary citizenship.
Expressing his gratitude for the recognition from the Coast Guard, Genther humbly acknowledged the support and acknowledgment received. Balcom, too, expressed her appreciation for being part of the commendation ceremony, considering it a career highlight.
In conclusion, Genther attributed the successful rescue to the collective efforts of individuals who have influenced his life and fishing career. Grateful for the positive outcome, he reflected on the collaborative efforts that led to a life being saved.